Hi, my name is Nadia and I'm a proud mommy of three beautifull kids, Larissa, 11, and Bobby and Alex 10 (twin boys), who are autistic. It's been a rocky path for all of us. Bobby and Alex were diagnosed when they where 3 years old and back then, it was realy dificult for me because i did not know a thing abaout autism.

I'm originaly from Mexico and all my family is back in Mexico, and I did not have their support, so I had to handle everything on my own. My husband and I were both young and inexperienced. It was super hard. I looked for help and I got them in to see the neurologist.  He recommended Adderal for both of them because of their hyperactivity. It actually made them worse, so I opted not to give them meds at all.  I decided that with my love and special ed will help my babies and, of course, God holding my hand.  When my boys were 5, my husband passed away and my job got harder, but still with God holding my hand.  

At the time, I did not have my green card, which made it dificult to find a job. Finally, I got my green card and I applied for SSI and Medicaid for my kids. I realized that the American government was helping me with all my kids' medical needs. I have to take advantage of all the help I could get, and that was a big step for me and my boys.  At the same time, I had to deal with my depression of losing my husband.

I tried to get my kids to the outside world. When they where 3 and 4 they use to spit, hit, bite , etc. and it was impossible to take them to have dinner like a normal family.  Then after a few years, I thought that they got better.  One day I got kicked out of the movies because of their noise making. Then a second time a lady called my kids "retards" and that was very hurtful. I decided that nobody will stop me to get as much help for my boys to get them ready for the future.

I want for them to be independent and be able to go to college. Now they're in 4th grade half a day in special ed and half a day in regular 4th grade class.  They are doing fine. I have been trying to find parents like me that won't give up on their kids. It takes a special parent to raise special kids. I also think that if God sends them to us, it is because we are the right ones to change their lives.  At the same time, they change ours.  Thanks so much for all this help and support that you bring to families like me. God bless....